Doug Shepherd

The West Side Stories team recently sat down with 95-year-old Mr. Doug Shepherd, who’s been a member for 14 years. We caught up with him at Monday Night for the Master, where he was signing cards for members who need encouragement. Over the years, the Shepherds ministered with the RV  “Sojourners” in many locations, during which time they worked with VBS on the Navajo Reservation for 38 years. Mr. Shepherd lost his wife Maxine five years ago. We started with the regular “Five Questions,” but our conversation ranged far afield, and there’s so much more to know than is shared here. We encourage you to get to know him. 

Q.  Can you share some things about yourself to help people get to know you better?

During his 20-year career in the United States Army, he saw the world. He served in Fairbanks, Alaska; Italy, France, Germany, and Japan, traveling on seven different troop ships. In Italy, the window of his office looked out at the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa. After he was discharged from his first stint, he was a civilian for four months and ten days when he was called back up out of the reserve for the Korean conflict. So he decided to stick with the army, and he eventually retired from the Quartermaster Corps in 1969 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. 

Q. Tell us something most people would not know about you? 

I once ate dinner at the same table with (Italian actress) Sofia Loren at the NCO Club on the base in Italy. (We are suitably impressed!)

Q. What’s something you’re thankful for right now? 

To be alive.

Q. Who is someone who was inspiring to you? 

My wife.

Q. What scripture is meaningful to you?

John 14 says “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”